HiTechEdge

Tag: Roku

  • Google CEO Makes Connected TVs a “Top Priority”

    Google CEO Makes Connected TVs a “Top Priority”

    The battle over the streaming TV market is heating up, with connected TVs a “top priority” at Google.

    Streaming TV is quickly gaining ground and threatening traditional cable and satellite TV. Connected TVs are seen as the gateway to the market. Once a company gets their TV operating system installed as the default, they have a tremendous amount of power over what other apps can be installed, and often get a cut of revenue from the various streaming platforms the customer ends up using.

    According to The Information, via Forbes, Google has recently increased the amount of money it’s willing to spend to gain that coveted foothold. Whereas industry leader Roku pays manufacturers $7 to $8 per TV to be installed by default, Google has upped its payout to $10 to $15.

    The change in focus comes directly from Pichai and, according to The Information, is an attempt to change the perception of Google being “half-hearted” in its efforts in the TV industry, thanks largely to Chromecast and Android TV.

  • It’s Back! Spectrum TV App Is on Roku

    It’s Back! Spectrum TV App Is on Roku

    Good news for Spectrum and Roku customers, as the Spectrum TV app is once again on the streaming platform.

    Spectrum’s TV app was pulled form Roku’s platform in December, a casualty of the kind of carriage disputes that are common in the streaming TV industry. Existing users could continuing using the app, but new users had no way of signing up or gaining access to it.

    The two companies have come to an agreement, as the app is now once again on Roku.

    “We’re delighted to share that you can now access the Spectrum TV app through your Roku device,” reads Roku’s announcement. “You can now stream Spectrum’s full lineup of live and on demand content by using your existing Charter broadband subscription or by signing up for an account through your Roku device.”

  • Google Escalates Roku Dispute, Adds YouTube TV to YouTube App

    Google Escalates Roku Dispute, Adds YouTube TV to YouTube App

    Google is escalating its conflict with Roku, adding YouTube TV streaming to the standard YouTube app.

    Roku pulled the YouTube TV streaming app at the end of April, following a dispute with Google over contract terms. Roku was not asking for any additional money, only asking that Google respect its data practices, not require more expensive hardware and not engage in anticompetitive behavior. When an agreement could not be reached, Roku pulled the YouTube TV app from its platform.

    It appears Google is determined to go around Roku, rather than working with them, and has bundled the streaming service with the standard YouTube app. The company detailed its plans in a blog post.

    Today, we’re introducing a new feature that gives you access to YouTube TV from within the YouTube app, making it easier to enjoy all the content you love. Existing members can easily access YouTube TV by clicking on “Go to YouTube TV” in the main YouTube app. This update will be available to all YouTube TV members on Roku over the next few days, and we will expand to as many devices as we can over time.

    The company says it is continuing to negotiate with Roku, and that this measure is simply a way to ensure its customers continue to have access to its content. Similarly, Google says it is working to make sure Roku’s devices meet its technical specifications.

    In the event no agreement is reached, it appears Google is working on a long-term solution.

    We’re also in discussions with other partners to secure free streaming devices in case YouTube TV members face any access issues on Roku.